Hi there:
Yesterday I had the opportunity to have a second go at implementing the MT meeting guidelines. The first meeting went well; the meeting was punchy, with deliverables and on-time! My second attempt was yesterday. The agenda items went a little astray but I managed to steer everybody back on track and we finished on-time again! (Love it!). One item that did occur, however, that threw me somewhat and I'd like some perspective on from more experienced MT users. Two members of the meeting said about 3/4 of the way through the meeting saying, “you need us any more" and promptly got up and left! This threw me somewhat and I’m not sure how to feel about that, or if a reaction on my part was required - advice greatly received!
James
See you later!
If you actually don't need them for the rest of the meeting, wish them well and let them go.
As long as you have captured and clarified any deliverables for/from them, sitting in a meeting where they're not needed wastes their time -- and effective meetings don't waste time.
Don't let their exit distract anyone from the meeting, and it should be fine.
flexiblefine
Houston, Texas, USA
DiSC: 1476
Leaving meetings early
I can't speak for other corp cultures, but in mine, what usually happens in this case is that the people needing to leave early will inform the facilitator of that. The facilitator can then push back if he or she feels that they are needed. At the beginning of the meeting the facilitator announces as part of house keeping details that John and Sue will be leaving early.
Given the number of competing meetings and deadlines, I agree with flexiblefine that you need to be well, flexible. I have found myself in this situation as a participant wanting to be in two meetings at once and having to make a decision about which to attend.
In a face to face meeting, it still creates a minor disruption when people get up and leave.
My first boss used to hammer into me that, "If nothing changes as a result of the meeting, the meeting was a waste of time." That was true in 1977 and it's true today. To get to that point the meeting must provide value to all attendees and must be run in a way that focuses on achieving its outcomes.
Glenn